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    Category Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Scientists Synthesize Hexagonal Boron Nitride

    October 28, 2015, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Synthesis of multilayer h-BN film.

    (a) Schematic diagram of the chemical vapour deposition approach for h-BN synthesis. Borazine is used as a precursor. A multilayer h-BN film is grown on a Fe foil in a quarts tube. (b,c) Photographs of as-grown h-BN film on a Fe foil and the transferred h-BN film onto a SiO2/Si substrate. (d,e) SEM images of an h-BN film on a Fe foil. (f) Cathodoluminescence spectra of multilayer h-BN film. (g) Optical image of multilayer h-BN film. (h) Raman mapping image of the E2g peak near 1,366 cm−1 corresponding to the area of g. (i) Raman spectra of each spot for the corresponding blue triangle, red circle and black square in h. (j) X-ray diffraction pattern of multilayer h-BN film on a SiO2/Si substrate. (k) Contact angles of bare Fe (top) and as-grown h-BN on a Fe foil (bottom)...

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    Mysterious Quantum Phenomenon in Organic molecules in real time could aid in development of highly Efficient Solar Cells

    October 27, 2015, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

     

    The researchers, led by University of Cambridge, used ultrafast laser pulses to observe how a photon, can be converted into 2 energetically excited particles, known as spin-triplet excitons, through a process called singlet fission. If the process of singlet fission can be controlled, it could enable solar cells to double the amount of electrical current that can be extracted.

    In conventional semiconductors such as silicon, when 1 photon is absorbed it leads to the formation of 1 free electron that can be harvested as electrical current. However certain materials undergo singlet fission instead, where the absorption of a photon leads to the formation of 2 spin-triplet excitons...

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    Halloysite: Finally a promising Natural Nanomaterial?

    October 26, 2015, Categories  Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology, Biology/Biotechnology

    a) This image shows loading clay nanotubes with drug from saturation solution. b,c) Mixing with drug solution, pumping out air, and pulling in drug molecules, washing, and loaded tubes. Credit: Yuri Lvov, Wencai Wang, Liqun Zhang, Rawil Fakhrullin

    a) This image shows loading clay nanotubes with drug from saturation solution. b,c) Mixing with drug solution, pumping out air, and pulling in drug molecules, washing, and loaded tubes. Credit: Yuri Lvov, Wencai Wang, Liqun Zhang, Rawil Fakhrullin

    Halloysite is a natural biocompatible nanomaterial available in thousands of tons at low price, which makes it a good candidate for nanoarchitectural composites. In vitro and in vivo studies on biological cells and worms indicate the safety of halloysite, and furthermore, it can store and release molecules in a controllable manner, making these tiny containers attractive for applications in drug delivery, antimicrobial materials, self-healing polymeric composites, and regenerative medicine.

    In chemical composition they are similar to kaolin and c...

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    Researchers have demonstrated a way to make Steel Stronger, Safer and more Durable

    October 21, 2015, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Electrodeposited TO films on a variety of surface geometries and steel grades

    Electrodeposited TO films on a variety of surface geometries and steel grades

    The surface coating, made from rough nanoporous tungsten oxide, is the most durable anti-fouling and anti-corrosive material to date, capable of repelling any kind of liquid even after sustaining intense structural abuse.

    Aizenberg’s team developed Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces in 2011 and has demonstrated a broad range of applications for the super-slick coating, SLIPS. “Our slippery steel is orders of magnitude more durable than any anti-fouling material that has been developed before,” said Aizenberg. “So far, these 2 concepts – mechanical durability and anti-fouling – were at odds with each other...

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